He feels warm. She drew back and cupped her hand on his head.
The nurse just took his temperature.
We should ask her to recheck it.
TJ put a hand on Sages slim shoulder. They will. Theyll monitor it all night.
What if he gets a fever?
Youre borrowing trouble. TJ hated to see her stressing herself out. It wasnt going to change the outcome. We should get something to eat.
Id rather stay here.
Theres nothing you can do while he sleeps.
Sage took Elis hand. I know.
There are absolutely no warning signs. TJ wanted to take Sages hand. Its simply going to be a long road to recovery.
Im telling myself the same thing.
He moved so he was looking at her. The best thing, the very best thing you can do for Eli is stay strong and healthy yourself.
She gave a ghost of a smile. Stop being right.
I cant help it.
Her smile went wider.
He was encouraged. Lets go get a nice dinner. Youve got the nurses station on speed dial.
She arched a brow. Are you mocking me?
No, Im trying to cheer you up. Hes doing great. You can afford to think positively.
She lifted Elis hand and gave it a light kiss. I dont want to jinx it.
You cant jinx it. There is no jinx it. Your IQ is in the stratosphere. You know worrying yourself sick will have absolutely no beneficial effect on Elis health.
She looked like she wanted to argue.
You got straight As in science.
Shed gotten straight As in everything.
Its true that Im not superstitious, she said. Her shoulders relaxed.
I have a very nice restaurant in mind. He had no intention of telling her the details, at least not until he had to.
Okay. Youre right. Dinner would be nice.
Can you say that again? he teased.
Dinner would be nice. She smirked at him.
I do like being right.
You have an ego, TJ. She rose from the edge of the bed and gathered her purse.
It was clear she was mocking him, but she could be right.
He definitely liked to accomplish things. It felt good to succeed. And he liked to be the best he could.
When he discovered he was falling behind in something, he took immediate steps to catch up. Take last year. Hed discovered he was getting out of shape, that both Matt and Caleb could outrun him.
Hed hit the gym, started rowing and biking. He could now beat both of them in a five-mile run. He hadnt thought about why it mattered to him. But ego would definitely explain it.
Seafood okay with you? he asked as they made their way toward the parking lot.
Anythings okay with me. But I cant let you keep paying.
He almost laughed at that. Ive got a lot of paying to make up for.
With Eli, sure. But not with me. You dont owe me anything.
Other than nine years of child support?
Im not asking for that. Her tone was genuinely horrified. Id never ask for that. None of this has anything to do with money.
I know it doesnt. How could he not know that?
The fact that hed found out about Eli at all was a bizarre coincidence. His anger still simmered when he thought about her secrecy. But now wasnt the time to rehash her past decisions. The last thing he wanted to do was fight.
I wont take your money, she said.
Its dinner, Sage. Im buying you dinner. People do that with their friends every day.
Were not friends.
Well, I hope were going to be friends. Things are going to be a whole lot easier if were friendly.
She didnt seem to have a response for that, and theyd arrived at his car.
Are you afraid of flying? he asked as they got inside.
No, she said. I mean, its not something I do. Were hardly in a position to take sun vacations. But Im not afraid of it. Her tone turned suspicious. Why? Why are you asking? Are you looking for genetic flaws?
Genetic... No.
I doubt irrational fears are inherited, anyway.
Im not looking for genetic flaws. You have no genetic flaws. He pulled onto the street.
I have red hair and freckles.
The freckles have faded. Hed always thought they were cute. And your hairs not red, its auburn. Its a beautiful shade of auburn. Do you know how much women pay to get that color hair? And youre absolutely brilliant. What is your IQ, anyway?
Im not telling you my IQ.
That high, huh?
No, its not that high. Its not anywhere near... She blew out what sounded like a tired sigh.
He let it lie as they zipped through the light traffic.
Twelve blocks later he flipped on his signal and pulled up to the Brandywine Hotel.
Are we eating here? she asked, glancing around at the brick-lined drive and the lighted gardens.
Not exactly.
He exited the car and came around to her door.
Were walking? she asked as she stepped out.
The valet arrived, and TJ handed him the keys, giving the uniformed man his name.
Not exactly, TJ answered Sage, gesturing to the revolving glass door.
I dont understand.
Theres a helipad on the top of the hotel.
A what? She looked straight up the outside of the building. Theres a restaurant up there?
No. He let her go first through the door. Thats not a euphemism. I mean a helipad, a place where helicopters can land and take off.
Why? She looked perplexed.
You said you werent afraid to fly.
You said we were going for dinner.
We are.
She gave him a look that questioned his intellect. In a helicopter? Are you showing off?
No. Im being practical. He touched the elevator button.
This, I have got to hear.
Were going to the Crab Shack. Its a great little seafood restaurant.
By helicopter?
Its faster.
Faster than what?
Than a car.
The door closed behind him. He inserted a key card and pressed the button for the rooftop.
She watched his motions. Do you have a room here?
He glanced at the card before putting it back in his pocket. No. I made arrangements earlier to access the helipad.
You planned this?
Yes, I planned this. Helicopters dont just swoop in for me on a moments notice.
She was silent as the floors pinged by.
Is this place fancy? she asked.
You look fine. You look better than fine.
Is it fancy?
Not really. Its pretty down-to-earth.
Is it on an island? Do we have to cross the strait?
As the door slid open, TJ turned his head from her and mumbled, Its in Whiskey Bay.
What did you say?
He gave up the subterfuge. I said its in Whiskey Bay.
She stopped dead, her eyes going round as she stared at him. What are you doing, TJ?
You might as well see the community.
Are you kidnapping me?
Are you kidnapping me?
Of course not.
Her gaze slid to the helicopter. And if I dont want to get onboard?
Then youll miss the ride of your life, a great seafood dinner and a chance to see where I live.